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Jayden Quaintance Joins Spurs With the 20th Pick in NBA Draft
The San Antonio Spurs selected Kentucky forward Jayden Quaintance with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. A surprising selection by San Antonio as the standout rim protector has dealt with nagging complications and knee swelling after suffering a torn ACL and meniscus in February 2025. During his first campaign as a Wildcat, he played in just four contests, averaging 5.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks on 57.1 percent shooting before he was shut down in December for the remainder of the campaign. Despite the setback, if Quaintance can get back on track, he could be a valuable frontcourt asset suiting up alongside Victor Wembanyama.
Source: Brett Siegel
Source: Brett Siegel
Chase Dollander Undergoes Internal-Brace Surgery on Monday
Colorado Rockies right-hander Chase Dollander (elbow) underwent internal brace surgery on Monday, per Kevin Henry of The Denver Gazette. Dollander was able to avoid Tommy John Surgery, which would have been the worst-case scenario for his return timeline. Still, the 24-year-old will miss the remainder of the 2026 season and likely a significant chunk of 2027. Dollander made some encouraging strides this year before getting injured, recording a 3-3 record with a 3.89 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 47 strikeouts across 44 innings (10 appearances). The Rockies utilized Dollander largely in a bulk relief role out of the bullpen, but he went at least five innings in five out of his 10 outings and at least four innings in eight out of 10. The former top prospect averaged 99 miles per hour on his fastball and posted a solid 24.9% strikeout rate. Dollander now faces a long road back to a big-league mound, but he remains worth holding in dynasty formats.
Source: The Denver Gazette - Kevin Henry
Source: The Denver Gazette - Kevin Henry
Philadelphia Adds Backcourt Help With Labaron Philon Jr.
The Philadelphia 76ers selected Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. with the 22nd overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-4 guard averaged 22 points and five assists as a sophomore for the Crimson Tide last season. His score-first mentality will come off the bench to join a backcourt rotation that already has explosive guards Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. Philon also converted nearly 40% of his three-point attempts, showing improvement across the board from his freshman campaign.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Luis Robert Jr. Progressing, Remains Without Firm Return Timeline
New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said that outfielder Luis Robert Jr. (back) is doing baseball activities and is "symptom-free, pretty much," per Max Goodman of NJ.com. However, Goodman reports that Robert Jr. remains without a return timeline from the lumbar spine disc irritation that has kept him sidelined since late April. Across 98 plate appearances before the injury, Robert Jr. hit .224/.327/.329 with two home runs, eight RBI, 10 runs scored, and two stolen bases. The 28-year-old remains a high-upside power/speed threat when healthy, as he stole 33 bases and logged a 10.1% barrel rate across 110 games for the Chicago White Sox in 2025. Still, health is a major part of the story for Robert Jr., who will likely fail to reach 450 plate appearances for the fifth time in the last six seasons in 2026. Until more is known about when Robert Jr. is expected to go out on a rehab assignment, fantasy managers are probably safe to leave him on the waiver wire.
Source: NJ.com - Max Goodman
Source: NJ.com - Max Goodman
Grizzlies Add Karim Lopez After Moving Down in the Draft
Forward Karim Lopez is heading to Memphis, following several draft-day deals that moved the Grizzlies down to the 21st pick. In the process, the Grizzlies reportedly added five second-round picks. Lopez, the only Mexican-born player to be drafted in the first round in NBA history, moved overseas to play professional basketball at just 14 years old. He used his physicality to shine in the NBL in New Zealand, but his jump shot is still a work in progress. Lopez joins third-overall pick Cameron Boozer as first-round draft picks for Memphis.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Pistons Land Ebuka Okorie Via Trade With Grizzlies
The Oklahoma City Thunder selected Stanford guard Ebuka Okorie with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. His rights were traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, who then traded them to the Detroit Pistons, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Okorie posted averages of 23.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals across 35.0 minutes per outing in 31 starts during the 2025-26 campaign. Cade Cunningham will have a reliable backup rookie point guard in Okorie.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Christian Scott Slated to Return to Mets Rotation this Weekend
New York Mets starting pitcher Christian Scott (hip) is "slated to come off the injured list this weekend and start a game against the (Philadelphia) Phillies," per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Scott was placed on the 15-day IL due to a right-hip impingement on June 12, but it appears he is on track to return as soon as he is eligible. Scott spent the early portion of the 2026 season working his way back from Tommy John surgery and made his season debut in late April. Across 40 2/3 innings (nine starts), the 27-year-old has recorded a 2-0 record with a 3.10 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and 47 strikeouts. Scott's 10.7% walk rate is a bit higher than fantasy managers might prefer, but he's averaged 95.5 miles per hour on his fastball and struck out 26.4% of the batters he's faced this season. Upon his return, Scott profiles as a high-upside waiver wire target in any league where he may have been dropped after the injury.
Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
Raptors Snag Allen Graves With 19th Pick in NBA Draft
The Toronto Raptors added Allen Graves to their roster, selecting the forward with the 19th selection in the 2026 NBA Draft. The reigning WCC Sixth Man of the Year, Graves averaged 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists as a true freshman for Santa Clara. The 19-year-old was a point guard before a late growth spurt and brought those do-it-all skills off the bench for a tournament team. Graves is an analytics darling, but there are questions about whether he can match up against tougher competition. The Raptors are loaded with switchable forwards, so it may lead to inconsistent playing time for Graves to start his career.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Juan Soto Exits Early on Tuesday With Back Tightness
New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (back) was removed early from his team's game against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night due to back tightness. Soto was hitless in two trips to the plate before exiting the game. The 27-year-old has been his typical elite self at the plate when healthy this season, hitting .299/.395/.570 with 17 home runs, 38 RBI, 36 runs scored, and six stolen bases across 259 plate appearances. He's also been red-hot of late, hitting .326 with four home runs over his last 51 plate appearances entering play on Tuesday. However, Soto missed 15 games earlier this season with a calf injury and could now be in danger of missing additional time. If Soto requires a stint on the injured list, Mets outfielder MJ Melendez could be in line for more playing time. UPDATE: Manager Carlos Mendoza said after Tuesday's game that Soto is day-to-day, according to Newsday's Laura Albanese.
Source: New York Mets
Source: New York Mets
Christian Anderson Joining the Hornets in NBA Draft
The Charlotte Hornets selected guard Christian Anderson with the 18th overall pick of the 2026 NBA Draft. Anderson is the team's second first-round pick, joining 14th pick Hannes Steinbach in North Carolina. The dynamic guard is on the shorter side (6'1", 180 lbs.), but worked his way into the first-round conversation with knockdown perimeter shooting. The 20-year-old averaged 18.5 points on 41% shooting from three-point land, on top of 7.4 assists per game. Anderson could immediately slide into a bench role behind LaMelo Ball, especially if Charlotte is unable to retain Coby White in free agency.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Edward Cabrera Carted Off on Tuesday With Apparent Lower-Body Injury
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Edward Cabrera (leg/thigh) was carted off the field in the fifth inning of his start against the New York Mets on Tuesday, according to Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune. Per Montemurro, Cabrera "did the splits" to catch a throw while covering first base and immediately grabbed at his left leg/thigh area. Cabrera allowed three hits, two earned runs, and four walks while striking out four across five innings of work before exiting the game. The 28-year-old already missed time earlier this season with a finger injury and may now be headed for a second stint on the injured list. Cabrera's first year with the Cubs has been a struggle even when he's been healthy, as he's pitched to a 5.10 ERA and 1.40 WHIP with 65 strikeouts across 72 1/3 innings (14 starts). If he is forced to miss time, Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd (knee, shoulder) would likely take Cabrera's spot in the starting rotation.
Source: Chicago Tribune - Meghan Montemurro
Source: Chicago Tribune - Meghan Montemurro
Thunder Acquire Bennett Stirtz in Draft-Day Deal
The Oklahoma City Thunder have drafted Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz, following a last-minute deal with Memphis during the 2026 NBA Draft. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Thunder are sending the 17th pick and two second-round picks to Memphis for Stirtz at the 16th overall selection. The 22-year-old is a crafty shooter and just needs a sliver of space to get off a shot. He averaged over 19 points per game in each of his last two seasons. Stirtz joins center Aday Mara as Oklahoma City's first-round selections.
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Chicago Adds Another Forward in Dailyn Swain in NBA Draft
The Chicago Bulls selected Texas forward Dailyn Swain with the 15th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Swain is the second first-round pick for the Bulls, joining forward Caleb Wilson in the Windy City. New general manager Bryson Graham is swinging for upside in his first draft leading the team. Swain, who had a wide range of landing spots in mock drafts, is the type of wing that teams covet: He's 6'7" and brings switchability to the defensive side of the ball. His shot is a work in progress, but he excels at cutting to the basket. Swain finished his junior season at Texas averaging 17.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Charlotte Nabs Hannes Steinbach With Final Pick of the Lottery
The Charlotte Hornets selected power forward Hannes Steinbach with the 14th pick of the 2026 NBA Draft. Steinbach becomes the final selection of the lottery and joins a Charlotte team loaded with young talent, but a thinner frontcourt. The physical forward averaged a double-double for the Washington Huskies last season, putting up 18.5 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. The German native also flashed a three-point touch, converting at a 34% clip. Steinbach will likely play behind starting center Moussa Diabate, but he brings flexibility to the Hornets' rotation next season.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Bucks Select Nate Ament With First-Round Pick Acquired From Miami
The Milwaukee Bucks drafted Tennessee forward Nate Ament with the 13th overall pick, a selection acquired in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade this week, in the 2026 NBA Draft. Ament joins 10th overall pick Brayden Burries as Milwaukee's first-round picks. Similar to the All-Star he's replacing, Ament enters the NBA with great size (6'10", 7'0" wingspan) and plenty of potential, but had up-and-down numbers in his lone season in Tennessee. The 19-year-old averaged 16.6 points, but only shot 39% from the field. His development over the summer and the front office's further roster restructuring decisions will determine how much playing time Ament gets in his debut campaign.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Aday Mara Brings Rim Protection to Oklahoma City
Looking for frontcourt size and a possible answer for center Victor Wembanyama, the Oklahoma City Thunder drafted 7-foot-3 Michigan center Aday Mara at No. 12 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft. The Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year averaged 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks while anchoring the national champions' interior. Mara is an elite rim protector and a gifted passer for his size, though limited shooting and foot speed cap his fit on a switch-heavy roster. For fantasy, the path to minutes is essentially blocked: Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Jaylin Williams already crowd the Thunder's frontcourt on a title contender. Mara is off fantasy radars as a long-term developmental stash whose value only emerges if that room thins years down the line.
Source: Brett Siegel
Source: Brett Siegel
Chris Olave Cleared After Missing End of 2025 With Blood Clots
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (illness) was recently cleared after missing the end of the 2025 season due to blood clots, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated. Olave is expected to stop taking blood-thinners at the end of June and be ready to rock for the start of training camp at the end of July. Despite missing a game last year, the 25-year-old former 11th overall pick in 2022 out of Ohio State had a career-high 1,163 receiving yards, a career-high 100 catches (156 targets), and a career-best nine touchdowns in 16 games played in his fourth year in the NFL. Head coach Kellen Moore said earlier this offseason that Olave didn't have any issues in his recovery from blood clots, so he should be a full-go for training camp and the start of the 2026 regular season this fall. The Saints added rookie Jordyn Tyson in the first round back in April, but Olave should remain the team's unquestioned WR1 in an offense on the upswing under Moore and second-year quarterback Tyler Shough, who exceeded expectations in his rookie campaign. In what should be another pass-happy offense, Olave has a stable floor as a low-end WR1 target for fantasy managers in 2026.
Source: Sports Illustrated - Albert Breer
Source: Sports Illustrated - Albert Breer
Yaxel Lendeborg Joins Golden State Warriors With the 11th Pick
The Golden State Warriors landed one of the draft's most NBA-ready prospects in Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg, taking him with the 11th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The Big Ten Player of the Year averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.1 steals while shooting 37.2 percent from three for the national champions. Lendeborg is a do-everything forward who can defend every position, fill the box score, and space the floor next to Stephen Curry. The fantasy appeal is opportunity: Golden State traded Jonathan Kuminga midseason and expects to open next year without Jimmy Butler III (knee), leaving forward minutes there for the taking. Few rookies in this class profile as more immediately useful, making Lendeborg one to target despite the win-now setting.
Source: Brett Siegel
Source: Brett Siegel
Travis Hunter Focusing on Defense, to be Spot Player on Offense?
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated writes that we should "shoehorn" wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter "as a spot player whose focus is shifting to defense." A lot was expected of Hunter, the former Heisman Trophy winner at the University of Colorado, after he was taken second overall by the Jags last year, but he ended up playing in only seven games in his rookie season due to a knee injury. The 23-year-old two-way player spent most of his time on offense, but he was a disappointment for fantasy managers with only 28 receptions on 45 targets for 298 yards and one touchdown. The Jaguars have been adamant that Hunter will continue to play on both sides of the ball in his sophomore season in 2026, but with Jacksonville having more of a need in their secondary on defense, the expectation is that most of his work will come on the defensive side of the ball. On offense, Hunter could become more of a gadget player than a mainstay. It's a major hit to Hunter's short-term fantasy value as he looks to battle for targets in a crowded WR room alongside Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr., and Parker Washington. Hunter was being taken as WR2 with upside last year around this time, but he's fallen to No. 73 in RotoBaller's WR rankings in 2026.
Source: Sports Illustrated - Albert Breer
Source: Sports Illustrated - Albert Breer
Brayden Burries' Selection Starts a New Era in Milwaukee
The Milwaukee Bucks drafted Arizona guard Brayden Burries with the 10th overall selection of the 2026 NBA Draft. Burries becomes the first selection of the post-Giannis Antetokounmpo era. The combo guard led the Wildcats to the Final Four last season, averaging 16.1 points on 49-39-80 percent shooting splits. The 6'4" guard is also a tireless defender, notching 1.5 steals per game in his lone season in Arizona. The Bucks just acquired several ball handlers in the Antetokounmpo trade and have Ryan Rollins already on the roster, so Burries may be playing more off the ball in his debut season.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
George Kittle "Definitely on Track" for Week 1
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (Achilles) said on Tuesday that he is "definitely on track" to be ready to play in Week 1 of the 2026 regular season in early September, according to David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard. Kittle said nothing is 100% certain right now, but he said, "I have a chance." The 32-year-old seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro said he hasn't had any setbacks in his recovery from the torn Achilles tendon he suffered in the postseason loss on Jan. 11, and he told NBC Sports' Florito Maniego that he is "running over 16 mph." Kittle did not practice with the rest of the team during organized team activities or mandatory minicamp during the spring, but that could change come training camp this summer. The nine-year veteran has four 1,000-yard receiving seasons in his career and has scored 52 touchdowns in 124 regular-season games, but durability concerns make him a pretty big fantasy risk as he heads into Year 10. Kittle played in just 11 regular-season games in 2025 and caught 57 passes for 628 yards and seven touchdowns on 69 targets. Because we don't know for sure whether he'll be a full-go for Week 1, fantasy managers should consider him as more of a high-end TE2 in upcoming drafts.
Source: The San Francisco Standard - David Lombardi
Source: The San Francisco Standard - David Lombardi
Morez Johnson Jr. Reunites With Dusty May in Dallas
The Dallas Mavericks are selecting Michigan forward/center Morez Johnson Jr. with the No. 9 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The 20-year-old gives Dallas an efficient frontcourt piece after averaging 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 0.7 steals in 25.1 minutes across 40 appearances for Michigan. Johnson shot 62.3 percent from the field, giving him a fantasy-friendly base if his rebounding and defensive activity translate quickly. Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford are already on the Mavericks roster, so Johnson may need to earn minutes gradually, but the Dusty May connection makes his early role worth watching.
Source: Brett Siegel
Source: Brett Siegel
Hawks Add Kingston Flemings at No. 8 in the 2026 Draft
With Trae Young now in Washington, the Atlanta Hawks are addressing their point guard void with Houston guard Kingston Flemings at No. 8 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft. The consensus second-team All-American averaged 16.1 points, 5.2 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals on 47.6 percent shooting and 38.7 percent from three across 37 starts under Kelvin Sampson. Flemings projects as an elite on-ball defender first, which should earn him early minutes next to fellow stopper Dyson Daniels and feed cornerstone Jalen Johnson in transition. The fantasy question is his half-court scoring, which dipped against bigger, set defenses and may limit his rookie usage on a playoff team. The steals and playmaking give him a real floor, but his counting-stat ceiling tracks with how fast his shot creation rounds into form.
Source: Brett Siegel
Source: Brett Siegel
Darius Acuff Jr. Lands in Sacramento, Drafted Seventh by the Kings
The Sacramento Kings drafted Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. with the seventh overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft. The Kings' front office has been desperately searching for a starting point guard since trading De'Aaron Fox to San Antonio, and has found one of the best scorers in this rookie class. While he's not the biggest guard (6'2", 186 lbs.), Acuff manipulated defenses en route to 23.5 points and 6.4 assists per game for the Razorbacks. His defensive capabilities are a big question mark, but the 19-year-old will have plenty of opportunities to score and run the Sacramento offense early in his NBA career.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Nets Select Mikel Brown Jr. With the Sixth Pick in NBA Draft
Brooklyn is using the sixth pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. The 20-year-old averaged 18.2 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds on 41.0 percent shooting and 34.4 percent from three across 21 games, a freshman season cut in half by a back injury that teams now consider behind him. His ceiling is the headline: Brown dropped 45 points on NC State in February, tying a Louisville single-game scoring record. The fantasy question is the depth chart, since Brooklyn already spent 2025 picks on Egor Demin, Nolan Traore, and Ben Saraf, none of whom locked down the lead guard job. Brown has the pedigree to win that competition, but a crowded young backcourt could split usage and slow his rookie production.
Source: Brett Siegel
Source: Brett Siegel
Clippers Pick Keaton Wagler at No. 5 in the 2026 NBA Draft
The Los Angeles Clippers will take Illinois guard Keaton Wagler with the No. 5 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The 19-year-old brings size and shooting to the perimeter after averaging 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists with 45/40/80 shooting splits as a freshman. Wagler also earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year, first-team All-Big Ten, and consensus second-team All-American honors while helping Illinois reach the Final Four. His off-ball shooting gives him a path to early minutes next to Darius Garland, while the fantasy ceiling will hinge on how quickly he develops into a higher-usage playmaker.
Source: Jake Fischer
Source: Jake Fischer
Bulls Select Caleb Wilson With the Fourth Overall Pick in NBA Draft
The Chicago Bulls drafted North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson with the fourth selection in the 2026 NBA Draft. Chicago's marriage with Wilson has been choreographed for weeks, with AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer regarded as the consensus top three. Still, the Bulls believe Wilson can be a franchise cornerstone. The 6'9" forward averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.9 stocks as a true freshman in Chapel Hill. Wilson should be an opening-night starter, joining center Nicolas Claxton, whom the team is reportedly acquiring in a trade, and forward Matas Buzelis.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Grizzlies Land Cameron Boozer With the No. 3 Overall Pick
The Memphis Grizzlies are selecting Duke forward Cameron Boozer with the third pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, sources said. The reigning AP National Player of the Year posted 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.4 steals as a freshman, shooting 55.6 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from deep. Boozer slots into a frontcourt that shipped Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah at the deadline, pairing with Zach Edey and pushing incumbent stretch-four Santi Aldama for minutes and touches. The bigger picture matters more for fantasy: with Memphis deep into a rebuild and Ja Morant widely expected to be moved this offseason, Boozer steps into a usage runway few rookie bigs ever get. His passing and high-scoring floor give him real fantasy value as soon as the rotation clears.
Source: Brett Siegel
Source: Brett Siegel
Darryn Peterson Headed to Jazz at No. 2 Overall in NBA Draft
The Utah Jazz are taking Kansas guard Darryn Peterson with the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The 19-year-old gives Utah a high-end shot creator after averaging 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.4 steals in 29.0 minutes while shooting 43.8 percent from the field, 38.2 percent from deep, and 82.6 percent at the line. Peterson's fantasy appeal will depend on how quickly the Jazz hand him lead-guard reps, because Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier are already part of the backcourt. His shooting should help him play next to both, while Lauri Markkanen gives Utah a proven scorer who can keep early defensive attention away from the rookie.
Source: Brett Siegel
Source: Brett Siegel
Blaze Alexander Out With Knee Contusion Against Angels
Baltimore Orioles infielder/outfielder Blaze Alexander (knee) is sitting out of the starting lineup for Tuesday's contest in Anaheim against the hosting Los Angeles Angels, per MLB.com. Alexander left the series opener on Monday with a right-knee contusion after fouling a ball off his leg, so it's not a huge surprise that he's not starting a day later. For now, fantasy managers in deeper leagues should consider the super-utility man to be day-to-day. Coby Mayo is making the start at third base for the O's on Tuesday and will bat fifth against Angels right-hander Ryan Johnson. The 27-year-old Alexander has been thrust into a much bigger role than expected in 2026 in his first year in Baltimore due to the season-ending elbow injury to Jordan Westburg. He has taken advantage of the opportunity, too, hitting .310 (53-for-171) with three home runs, 23 RBI, 22 runs scored, and eight stolen bases in his 67 games played. Alexander doesn't come with much pop at the plate, though, and his most attractive quality may be his multi-position eligibility in fantasy, as he's eligible at second base, third base, shortstop, and the outfield.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
